Cassie held the butterfly necklace in her palm.
At first glance, it was an exquisite and gorgeous necklace that seemed to have nothing special about it. She tried to sense the butterfly and found a faint magical aura circulating around it. Perhaps the butterfly could traverse through time and space, but people were unaware of how to use it.
After looking at it for a while, she placed the necklace back in the jewelry box.
Xavier asked her, "Your Majesty, won't you wear it?"
Cassie shook her head. He, being accommodating, smiled and said, "There's nothing worthy enough to match Your Majesty."
Cassie sighed inwardly again. This man was indeed quite skillful.
The auction continued until the early hours, and when they came out, the streets were already deserted.
Yawning, Cassie was wearily carried into the carriage by him. As they boarded, he paused for a moment, and a faint black mist appeared, then disappeared from sight.
Seeing Cassie's confusion, he smiled and explained, "Dealt with a little trouble."
Tracking him? Cassie chose not to pay any more attention. If something could be resolved, it couldn't be considered trouble. Besides, who could cause trouble for Xavier?
She yawned again, looking like a well-behaved little cat even for a queen.
Back at the mansion, it was already dawn.
Cassie was carried into bed, half-asleep, vaguely hearing a "goodnight." She didn't even remember if she responded before closing her eyes to sleep.
However, when the comforting embrace she had been leaning on disappeared, Cassie couldn't fall asleep. She started to yearn for the touch of that embrace.
Vampires had no body temperature. His chest and lips were cool, yet when she got close, they were always warm.
She turned around and struggled on the bed for a while, realizing she really couldn't fall asleep.
She quickly came up with an idea, hugged her pillow, and got out of bed.
Xavier was busy with official matters.
He found humans quite interesting, never expecting internal struggles among humans to be so rich and colorful. When he first took office, his methods were swift, eliminating any chance of resistance from the nobles. Consequently, over the years, while these nobles were scheming, they never reached the point where he would pay attention.
This time was different.
Their ambitions were fully exposed in his sight.
Interesting.
At this moment, he was like a patient hunter, carefully designing traps, waiting for the prey to approach.
A gust of wind brushed against the windowsill.
He squinted his eyes slightly; his gaze, for a moment, became sharp but was soon covered by gentleness.
Look, the trap hasn't been set, and a little cat has already entered by itself.
Cassie sat on the windowsill, holding her soft pillow, watching him motionlessly.
She swayed her legs slowly, black hair falling in front of her shoulders, looking extremely adorable.
He suppressed all dangerous auras, appearing gentle and patient. "Your Majesty, is there anything you need help with?"
Cassie ignored him.
She lightly jumped and arrived in his room, then placed the pillow on his bed and lay down.
Xavier: "Hmm?"
Those almond eyes stared straight at him.
"Xavier," she asked, "Can you sleep with me?"
If one word could describe Xavier's current mood, it would undoubtedly be "pleasantly surprised."
He paused for a moment, concealed his emotions effortlessly, and smiled, "What's the matter, Your Majesty?"
"Can't fall asleep," the girl's tone remained indifferent. "Am I disturbing you?"
"No, not at all," his tone revealed that he must be in a very pleasant mood at the moment. "Serving Your Majesty is my honor."
He promptly set aside the affairs at hand and lay down beside her. Soon, the breathing beside her became steady.
Xavier didn't leave; instead, he propped up his chin, focusing on admiring her sleeping face. Little Cassie wasn't particularly calm when sleeping, always tossing and turning. A soft bundle squirmed into his arms, seemingly feeling uncomfortable with his cold skin. She frowned but didn't leave.
Even a human-shaped pillow was deemed inadequate for her. Truly... spoiled.
Yet, he found himself helpless against her.
After all, he was the one who spoiled her.
Cassie slept from sunrise to dusk.
This period was indeed quite long, and when she woke up, her head still felt heavy.
The man beside her moved closer, gently massaging her temples.
Instinctively, she reached out for a hug.
She seemed to hear a somewhat helpless chuckle from the man, but his actions were very conscious as he picked her up from the bed.
"Your Majesty," he rubbed her head, "the royal family has invited me to attend a ball tomorrow. Would Your Majesty be interested?"
A ball? Cassie raised her head and saw the golden invitation on his desk.
Did he hold such a high position in the royal family? They actively invited him to a ball?
Seeing that she didn't seem very interested, Xavier continued, "Your Majesty, can you do me a favor this time?"
This time, she looked at him.
"At the ball, there may be some troublesome matters..." he drew out his words leisurely, "If Your Majesty doesn't come, I might be taken away."
The royal family's intentions were too easy to guess.
A ball was just a gathering of princesses and young lords, competing with each other, choosing marriage partners like selecting goods.
He didn't say these things to Cassie.
He lowered his head, gently biting her earlobe, his voice low and hoarse, "I really need Your Majesty... Can you help me with this favor?"
This favor indeed cost her a lot.
Once again carried onto the carriage, Cassie thought seriously.
She knew what kind of help was needed—Xavier's face was too attracting. However, after helping, she was kissed for a very long time. Cassie couldn't help feeling that she was the one at a loss.
Being taken advantage of.
The dress he prepared for her today was very splendid.
Though so, she had to admit Xavier's charisma. Every detail of the dress touched her preferences, perfectly matching her temperament. It showed his thoughtfulness.
The palace was magnificent and splendid. Countless magical stones and treasures adorned the banquet hall, making it magnificent and luxurious.
Noble young ladies competed in beauty, wearing various styles of formal dresses and large hats. Each beauty with her unique posture dazzled the eyes.
The king had a kindly look, showing a hint of old age. The queen maintained a stern expression, displaying her own aura at a noble's banquet.
Tafu sat beside them.
"Father," she tugged the king's hand, "you must help me with this. You know I have always liked Duke Xavier..."
"Of course, my darling," the king laughed gracefully. "You can rest assured. No one can refuse a royal princess."
Xavier was just a duke, and even his title was granted by the royal family. What qualifications did he have to refuse the royal family?